The Little Montes WMA has become very popular for angling, wildlife viewing, and upland game hunting. The WMA is the current site for our Badges and Bobbers event, and is a regular location where pheasants are released each year. To accommodate the increased traffic at this WMA, we propose improvements and maintenance that will increase fishing opportunities, provide forage for wildlife, and improve the experience of those people that utilize the WMA.

Build floating fishing trail on the north side of the reservoir(Phase 1): Inspired by the success of the Cedar Springs Marina Floating trail, this will provide increased opportunities for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts to utilize the north side of the reservoir safely. Currently there is an unmanaged pioneer trail on the north side of the lake which has seen an increase in traffic as people access the north section of the reservoir. If built, this floating trail is expected to facilitate a substantial amount of angling and wildlife viewing. Improve Parking Lot with trees planted next to the parking lot(Phase 1): With the recent installation of the pivot sprinkler system on the southern field on the WMA, an opportunity to plant trees that will benefit by the pivot system has come about. Planting these trees will provide habitat for the wildlife in the area. Food plots in the southern field(Phase 1): In the areas adjacent to the watered portion of the southern field, we propose planting some dryland species to provide additional forage for wildlife in the area. Maintain northern field(Phase 1): The northern field of the WMA has been maintained to provide forage for wildlife. This aspect of the project would fund the planting of this field. Zeedyk Structure installation by contractors and Cottonwood and willow pole plantings below the dam(Phase 2): At the outlet of the dam, we propose installing Zeedyk structures to raise the water table and provide an easily accessible example of a project focused on these structures. By pairing the Zeedyk structure installations with pole plantings, we expect to see a more active riparian area with mature woody vegetation over time. Previous efforts to plant cottonwoods below the dam were unsuccessful we expect because they were planted from 5 gallon stock. We propose plantings using poles that will make contact with the water table and more likely succeed. ADA access improvements (Phase 2): To better allow ADA access, the current footbridge that crosses the dam overflow will be replaced with an bridge that will allow wheelchair access. The current trail that leads to the dock will be paved, and 2 ADA parking spots will also be paved in the current parking lot. Build shaded picnic tables in 3 different areas(Phase 3): As this reservoir develops into a community fishery, we have recognized an increase in families and groups that utilize the area. By providing areas for these groups to congregate, we anticipate a more responsible use of the area. Kayak access slide(Phase 3): The local angling community uses kayaks a fair amount on this reservoir to fish. By providing a kayak slide to transport kayaks from the parking lot to the current put in, we anticipate an increased amount of use by kayaking anglers. Tamarisk removal around the reservoir(Phase 3): There is a significant amount of tamarisk that has established on the southern side of the reservoir. Much of the tamarisk is mature and will require a dedicated crew to remove them. Because there are already cottonwoods and other native vegetation in the area, we expect revegetation with desirable species to happen over time.

The Little Montes WMA has seen an increase in use from the local community and would benefit from improved amenities surrounding the reservoir. Removal of Invasive Tamarisk now will reduce the workload later, as the population is still establishing. There is still a current strong presence of native vegetation that will be able to revegetate the void left by the tamarisk. The area conducive to food plots on the WMA provide a consistent source of nutrition to the local wildlife. By continuing plantings on the northern field, and increasing the amount of forage on the southern fields, we will ensure there isn't a break in forage opportunity for wildlife. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-m5VdebXP5GYGOX0JRVfzCalpUTELuXrAZwtZB6H9RE/edit#responses

2025 Utah Wildlife Action Plan: Lakes and Reservoirs Priority threats include: Invasive Plant Species Strategies for management include: Continue the use of methods for reducing the spread and dominance of invasive weeds and aquatic vegetation, including EDRR programs. Riparian Priority threats include: Invasive Plant Species -- Non-native (High) Strategies for management include: Identify riparian habitat impacted by land use practices and continue to support funding for low-tech, process-based restoration (e.g., BDAs, one-rock dams). Continue to support funding for weed treatment in riparian habitat, including Russian olive and tamarisk eradication. Priority needs include: Prioritize areas for systematic removal of non-native riparian vegetation (e.g., tamarisk, non-native willows, Russian olive) and replace with native riparian vegetation. Mule Deer The South Slope Deer Herd Unit Management Plan (2020) contains the following habitat management objectives: Protect, maintain, and/or improve deer habitat through direct range improvements to support and maintain herd population management objectives. Uintah County Resource Management Plan 2017 8.4.1: Support the Maintenance, enhancement, and expansion of sport fishing opportunities. 8.4.3 Enhance public access to fishing opportunities 8.4.5 Support economic development associated with fishing, including private businesses and facilities 17.4.1 Reduce or eliminate noxious weed infestations and minimize the establishment of new weed species across jurisdictional boundaries using adaptive management and integrated weed management approaches. 17.4.4 Manage noxious weeds to enhance wildlife habitat and farmland 17.4.10 Employ a variety of (integrated) weed management techniques including prevention, biological controls, chemical controls, and mechanical controls. 17.4.11 Work with all landowners and managers to ensure a well-funded and coordinated effort in prevention as well as an attack against already established weeds.

Removal of tamarisk in the area will help to reduce fire risk.

Completion of the zeedyk portion of this project is anticipated to increase the amount of water on the surface below the dam. This would provide increased habitat for terrestrial animals in the area.

All permits will be obtained as necessary.

Complete a floating trail on the northern side of the reservoir that will have fishing pole stands available for people to fish off of. The intent is to use something similar to the EZ dock system that is modular and highly customizable with minimal maintenance. This system allows for the inclusion of fishing pole stands, benches, and rails as needed. Hire a contractor to build three different shaded, picnic structures around the reservoir with cement foundations. Plant willows and cottonwoods using a waterjet stinger or auger below the dam, making sure the cuttings make contact with the water table. Hire a contractor specialized in Zeedyk structure construction to implement that part of the project. Use a seed mix to plant the peripheral field areas next to the pivot sprinkler field.

The Little Montes WMA is regularly visited by UDWR staff. In addition, impoved amenities are expected to increase the amount of visitation and passive observations made by the public. It is anticipated that the public will be able to report any issues with amenities.

Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation

Regular weed maintenance is ongoing through the NER maintenance budget. Absence of tamarisk is expected to be maintained through continued ownership of the property. Improved amenities will be maintained by the NER

By recognizing the increased interest in the reservoir and accommodating the public use of the area, we will provide a greater capacity for recreation in the area.